Maverick Model 88 12g 18.5″ Pump, Pistol Grip Kit

Description

You’re looking at a no-frills, get-it-done shotgun. The Maverick Model 88 12g 18.5″ Pump, Pistol Grip Kit is exactly what it sounds like: a reliable, budget-friendly pump-action shotgun with a compact 18.5-inch barrel, sold as a kit that includes a pistol grip. It’s a simple tool for serious work, whether that’s home defense, truck gun duty, or just blasting clays on a budget. I’ve put a few hundred rounds of everything from birdshot to slugs through one, and here’s what you need to know.

Look, the Maverick 88 is the workhorse little brother to the Mossberg 500, and that’s its biggest strength. It shares core components like the action bars and interchangeable barrels, meaning you’re getting proven Mossberg engineering at a seriously accessible price point of $244.95. This isn’t a showpiece; it’s a tool that fits out of the box and works when you need it to. The kit format gives you the flexibility to run it with the included pistol grip for ultra-compact storage or easily add a traditional stock later if you prefer.

Key Features & Handling

The heart of this package is the 12-gauge pump action. The dual action bars provide a smooth, non-binding pump stroke that’s consistent shot after shot. The 18.5-inch cylinder-bore barrel keeps the overall length down to a very manageable size—perfect for navigating hallways or stowing in a vehicle. It’s not threaded for chokes, which keeps it simple and rugged. The included pistol grip is basic but functional, offering a completely different handling profile that prioritizes compactness over traditional shoulder fire.

Weighing in at around 6.5 pounds, it’s light enough to handle easily but has enough heft to soak up 12-gauge recoil, especially with heavier loads. The cross-bolt safety is mounted on the trigger guard, which is intuitive to use whether you’re running the pistol grip or a full stock. The 5+1 capacity (with the included plug removed) is standard for this class and provides a solid balance of firepower and manageability. The receiver is drilled and tapped for optics, a nice touch if you ever want to add a red dot.

Gauge	12 Gauge (3″ Chamber)
Barrel Length	18.5 Inches
Overall Length	Approx. 39.25″ (with pistol grip)
Capacity	5+1 Rounds
Action	Pump Action
Choke	Cylinder Bore (Fixed)

Pros & Cons

Let’s be direct. The pros are massive: incredible value, Mossberg 500-compatible reliability, and extreme simplicity. The cons are what you trade for that price. The finish is utilitarian, the sights are a simple bead, and the pistol grip alone makes shooting anything beyond defensive buckshot a punishing experience. That said, the ability to swap to a full stock—compatible with many Mossberg 500 aftermarket options—solves that last issue instantly.

Who This Is For

This is for the Missouri homeowner who wants an effective, trustworthy defensive tool without a complex manual of arms. It’s for the budget-conscious shooter who needs a truck or cabin gun that can handle rough treatment. It’s also a brilliant first shotgun for someone learning the fundamentals, as the manual action forces discipline. It’s available at firearms-missouri.com for Missouri residents and nationwide, ready for your FFL transfer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is the Maverick 88 the same as a Mossberg 500?

A: They share many critical parts (action bars, barrels, etc.) and are made by the same company, but the 88 has some cost-saving differences like a pinned forend and a trigger group assembly that’s not interchangeable. For most purposes, they are functionally siblings.

Q: Can I add a shoulder stock to this kit?

A: Absolutely. The receiver is designed to accept standard Mossberg 500 stocks. Removing the pistol grip and installing a traditional stock is a straightforward process with basic tools and no gunsmithing required.

Q: What’s the effective range with the 18.5″ cylinder barrel?

A: With rifled slugs, it’s effective for deer-sized game out to about 75 yards in capable hands. For defensive use with buckshot, the pattern opens up quickly, making it ideal for inside-room distances. It’s not a long-range hunting barrel.

If you need a straightforward, dependable 12-gauge that won’t break the bank, the Maverick 88 kit deserves a hard look. See the full details on our site.